Ohio “Heartbeat” Bill Shelved Until 2012, Again

Despite three days of testimony both for and against the proposed Ohio “heartbeat” ban that would outlaw abortion as early as 4 weeks post conception, and huge pressure from the anti-choice group Ohio Prolife Action, the senate has chosen to not bring the bill up for a vote this legislative session.

The leader of the Ohio Senate said Wednesday that he’s suspending hearings on a bill that would ban abortions at the first detectable fetal heartbeat, saying amendments proposed by supporters have created confusion.

Supporters of the bill have handed senators more than 20 proposed amendments, said Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus, a New Richmond Republican.

“These eleventh hour revisions only serve to create more uncertainty about a very contentious issue,” Niehaus said in a statement.

Ironically, Janet Porter and her backers accidentally killed their own bill due to their attempted “technical” tweaks. Sort of makes you wonder if the bill really only existed for media attention and fundraising purposes in the first place.